1
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
Dorothy's anxiety about her brother's operation kept her awake all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fearfulness
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the newly discovered virus is creating considerable anxiety in the public at large
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxiety
Wilson first remembers experiencing anxiety as early as 5 or 6 years old.
—
Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 May 2025
Get help The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is open to anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression.
—Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025
The prospect of the DeSantis administration wresting more control over the HBCU plays into longstanding anxieties that the state could cut into some of the university’s signature programs — or even merge the school with FSU, an idea lawmakers contemplated in the 1960s.
—Kate Payne, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2025
Sewing anxiety and confusion are usually first steps from Trump ahead of negotiation.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 May 2025
Get help The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is open to anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression.
—Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025
The prospect of the DeSantis administration wresting more control over the HBCU plays into longstanding anxieties that the state could cut into some of the university’s signature programs — or even merge the school with FSU, an idea lawmakers contemplated in the 1960s.
—Kate Payne, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2025
Sewing anxiety and confusion are usually first steps from Trump ahead of negotiation.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxiety
Noun
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Some of this fear is rooted in social comparison, but much of it is tied to daily concerns about funding retirement accounts and covering child care costs.—
Eliza Brooke,
Vox,
23 May 2025
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While on the stand, Ventura also opened up about dating Mescudi for a short period, but allegedly having to break it off out of fear of Combs' reaction.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
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The letter is a sign of growing ties between religious and AI safety groups, which share some of the same worries.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
21 May 2025
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Treasury yields and the value of the U.S. dollar held relatively stable after a brief jolt Monday morning when Moody’s Ratings said the U.S. government no longer deserves a top-tier credit rating because of worries about its spiraling debt.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Heck, even fear of long lines at bars and clubs have been downgraded from panic to the typical annoyance.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
17 May 2025
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In 2019, staff at a facility in Phoenix called 911 in a panic after a patient—who was reportedly vegetative but may have been minimally conscious—unexpectedly gave birth.—
Sarah Zhang,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me?—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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Key Takeaways Walmart warns tariffs will raise prices, triggering inflation concerns Markets seek tariff clarity; volatility trends suggest cautious optimism Retail earnings next week may reveal shifting consumer spending habits On Thursday, stocks closed mixed with the S&P 500 up 0.4%.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
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At night, the power was often cut, and guards would scream threats into the darkness, heightening dread and disorientation.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2025
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Anxiety is a feeling of fear and dread, often triggered by stressful situations, uncertainty, and perceived threats.12 People whose anxiety does not go away or gets worse over time may have an anxiety disorder.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
19 May 2025
Noun
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The concept has sparked controversy, unease, amazement and confusion.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
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What does this say about our current unease with the political system?—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxiety. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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